Farmers in county eligible for storm federal assistance

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated seven counties in northern Missouri and five counties in eastern Missouri as natural disasters because of severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding that occurred from mid-April to early May, Gov. Jay Nixon said today.

Seven of the counties – Clark, Harrison, Mercer, Putnam, Schuyler, Scotland and Worth – are contiguous to counties in Iowa that have been declared primary disasters because of severe weather that occurred from April 17-30. Five other Missouri counties – Lincoln, Marion, Pike, Ralls and St. Charles – are contiguous to counties in Illinois that have been declared primary disasters because of severe weather that occurred from April 16 to May 5. Farmers in those counties who suffered qualified losses are eligible for low-interest loans and other federal assistance.

A disaster designation allows eligible farmers to be considered for assistance from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), including FSA emergency loans.

In addition to keeping an eye on crops and livestock, producers should document any losses or additional costs experienced as a result of weather events during those dates. That information is often required for producers to be eligible for physical and/or production loss loan assistance from the FSA, as well as other assistance programs.

Affected farmers can contact their local FSA office for more information.